JPC 2nd Review Series (2)
An extra mile for JPCs

1 Photo

In Series (1), we introduced the main features and new initiatives brought about by the JPC 2nd Review. This time, we have interviewed a volunteer recently recruited under the newly established "JPC Volunteers' Cadre' and a number of JPC members who have benefitted from Overseas Exchange Programmes. Responding to these encouraging new initiatives, a PCRO staff also voices his views.

JPC Volunteers' Cadre

Volunteer service provides a good recipe for easing stress. Over the years, officers from different police districts have devoted themselves to the training and development of JPC.

To build synergy, control quality and encourage lasting commitment, Police Public Relations Branch has set up the "JPC Volunteers' Cadre". In June this year, over 160 police officers were recruited as JPC volunteers. They have undergone basic training offered by the Association of Voluntary Services and 60 of them, on Module "A" (Police Knowledge) Instructor Training Course offered by JPC HQs. Two large-scale briefings were organised in July for Police Community Relations Office (PCRO) staff in order to update them on the latest changes and help them build rapport with the centrally allocated volunteers, hoping a pleasant partnership would "make a difference".

Explaining why he has chosen to become a JPC volunteer, Police Constable Leung Siu-cheung from Police Tactical Unit "A" Company of New Territories South said: "I have been doing volunteer services for many years. In 2007, I volunteered to train JPC members of Sha Tin District on police knowledge and foot drill. I just love to be with them." PC Leung has just been appointed a member of the "JPC Volunteer Cadre".

"When results of the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination were announced in early August, I got phone calls from some JPC members asking me for advice on continuing studies or finding a job. I gave my advice right away," PC Leung recalled. This shows that volunteer services are not confined to outdoor activities.

New Learning Opportunities

As part of our endeavour to motivate and reward dedicated and outstanding JPC members, the 2nd Review has identified overseas study opportunities to give members a new experience.

In July, after going through competitive selection processes set by the Home Affairs Bureau (HAB), two JPC Advanced-Leaders, Cherry Lau from Tuen Mun District and Cyrus Cheung from Western District, together with 18 other Hong Kong youths, were appointed "Youth Ambassadors" to visit Wirral and Liverpool in northern England for two weeks. Both Cherry and Cyrus considered this International Youth Exchange Programme an eye-opening experience.

In another keen competition organised by the HAB, five JPC members outdid hundreds of nominees to get selected to take part in a nine-day Guangdong-Macao-Hong Kong Youth Cultural Exchange Tour in the same month. Speaking after the tour, they treasured this rare overseas exchange experience and regarded their selection as a recognition of JPC's contributions to the community over the years.

What does a PCRO have to say?

The Police Community Relations Officer of Wong Tai Sin District, Chief Inspector Lam Chi-ping, said: "I appreciate the new recommendations brought about by the JPC 2nd Review. The Review has seized the opportunity arising from the New Senior Secondary Curriculim System (3-3-4) and fine-tuned the mode of JPC training. Introduction of the centrally recruited volunteer system balances a District's JPC workload and allows colleagues to develop their leadership skills and demonstrate their commitment to the community."

Conclusion

Formation Commanders and PCRO staff are instrumental to the successful implementation of the new initiatives. More work however lies ahead to ensure a sustainable and lasting development of the JPC Scheme. PPRB will monitor closely how changes would impact JPC members and will look for continuous improvements in a fast-changing society.

The International Youth Exchange Programme between Hong Kong and the UK is an eye-opener for JPC Advanced-Leaders
<<Back to Features>> <<Back to Top>>